Graham Potter hails Kai Havertz after his wonder goal helped Chelsea to beat RB Salzburg 2-1
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‘It makes my job a lot easier’: Graham Potter greets Kai Havertz after his wonder goal helped Chelsea beat RB Salzburg 2-1, while Glen Hoddle praises the attacker’s ‘beautiful finish’ as Blues progress through the knockout stage of the Champions League reached with the win
- Chelsea beat RB Salzburg 2-1 to reach the knockout stage of the Champions League
- The game was even before Kai Havertz scooped the winner with a stunning strike
- Experts and fans were full of praise for the German attacker after the match
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Graham Potter praised Kai Havertz after scoring a stunning goal to help Chelsea beat RB Salzburg 2-1.
Havertz secured all three points with a superb curling attempt in the top left corner after receiving the ball from Christian Pulisic on the edge of the penalty area.
The winner also secured qualification to the last 16 of the Champions League for Chelsea from Group E.
Kai Havertz scored a stunning winner for Chelsea from outside the box with his left foot
Havertz’s goal helped Chelsea qualify for the knockout stage of the Champions League
The German has now scored 26 goals in 106 appearances since his £89million move from Bayer Leverkusen in 2020.
After losing their Champions League opener to Dinamo Zagreb and beating Graham Potter’s first game against RB Salzburg, the Blues have beaten AC Milan twice and now Salzburg to get through qualifying.
Potter is also unbeaten in nine games since moving to the club from Brighton last month.
After the game, the Blues boss was full of praise for Havertz and rejoiced that he had led his side through the group with one game left.
“It was a great finish right in the top corner and it makes my job a lot easier if they can do that,” Potter told BT Sport after the game.
“It’s great for him and I’m very happy because he’s fought and tried his best and is almost there to score more. Today he had to score that to help us through. It’s fantastic.
Graham Potter is now unbeaten in nine games since he took over as Chelsea manager
Glen Hoddle praised both Kai Havertz’s goal and Potter’s impact since moving to the Blues
‘I’m happy (with the win). It was a fantastic performance by the players. They showed real courage here in an intense atmosphere with the way they put you under pressure and I thought we had it well under control and created chances.
“I was disappointed that I was only one zero ahead at half-time. There was one mistake and one action from them that can happen, but we responded very well.
“It was a great goal from Kai and overall we deserved to continue.”
Former Chelsea boss Glen Hoddle was also impressed by Havertz’s goal, praising Potter’s impact since his arrival at the club.
Hoddle said, “On his first touch, he drags it around and puts it outside his body. It’s a nice finish.
The German has scored 26 goals in 106 games since moving from Bayer Leverkusen in 2020
“It’s a happy camp and it’s easy when you win. It should be, because they play good football and look solid at the same time.
“I think he (Potter) looks more at the person than at the player. This team will build a better relationship with him over time.
“He coaches the player more than the person, I’ve heard that from a Brighton player and Chelsea will get better and better.”
Fans also praised Havertz’ post-match goal and praised the German forward’s ability.
One said, “Kai Havertz scored a goal tonight and should have had 2 assists. Very impressive display.’
Another said, “Keep telling me Kai Havertz isn’t special. Keep telling me.’
Another fan joked, “If Kai Havertz hadn’t scored that miracle goal, we wouldn’t have qualified for the RO16. Learn to appreciate greatness.’
A fourth supporter praised Havertz’s ability to show up when his side needs him.
They said, ‘Kai Havertz sends us through to the knockout stage with a subliminal finish. It’s made for big nights.’